Yedidya Vaad Minahel Meeting - 25 May 2003

Kehilla administrator

The job description for the administrator is expected to be ready
for circulation later this week.

Preparation for moving into new building

Building Progress

Tzvi reported continual progress, particularly with the carpentry
work. Plans for the connection of the sewage line have now been sent
out for consultation, and on receipt of their approval the building
work involved can begin.

A remaining issue is the Electric Company's completion of the
mini-transformer station. Only after receipt of "Tofes arba" can the
electrical connection be made.

It is hoped that we will have moved in by July 2003.

Dedication Ceremony

Neil and Pamela will write to Mr. Ira Rennert about the possibility of
attending a ceremony on Rosh Chodesh Ellul (Friday 29 August 2003). If
Mr. Rennert can't attend in August, the ceremony will be held during
Sukkot (in October.)

Transferring equipment and property

Jay Rosenberg has agreed to oversee the physical move to the new
building.

Request for Building Use

A request received from "Yeud" (a Sherut Leumi related organization
which teaches Torah to women aged 18-21) to rent the building from
Monday through Thursday, 9a.m. until 7p.m., was referred to the
Building Use Committee for examination and recommendation.

Review of recent events

Yom Haatzmaut

Positive feedback was received about the entire program - tefillot,
the address by Rav Melchior and the dancing.

Future events

Shavuot

The Tikkun will take place at the Efrata School. Shiurim have been
finalized (speaker, topic and time slots), and notices have been
placed in Kol Ha'ir and In Jerusalem. Debbie agreed to prepare flyers
for distribution by our younger members (coordinated by Rafi Rothman.)

Shabbat Parshat Emor

Professor Uriel Simon will lead a Shabbat Iyyun.

Yedidion

Following a discussion with Noomi Stahl about the continuing status of
the Yedidion, the following was decided:

To continue producing 3-4 editions a year, which should recover
the costs of production and distribution from donations received as a
result of its receipt.

To increase the section written in Ivrit and to get younger
members to contribute.

The next issue will be printed for distribution during the Yamim
Noraim.

Should the dedication ceremony take place in August (R.H. Ellul),
a special issue will be prepared.

To explore the possibility of reducing costs by using volunteers from the kehilla for graphic design.

Membership Dues

In light of the additional operating expenses for the new building,
and to finance loans unsupported by other funds, yearly membership
dues will need to be set at a basis of 1,300 shekels per family unit
and 650 for a single unit for 5764. Special rates for students and for
overseas members will be determined shortly.

The following was stressed:

Payments could be spread over a whole year (12).

Anyone who found this sum as high as to make it impossible to join
the shul would be able to apply for a reduced rate.

Such applications would be received by only one specially
appointed person, and would be treated in total confidence.

If sufficient incomes are generated by use of the building, and
/or more funds are raised, this figure will reduce in future years.

Neil and Pamela will prepare an explanatory letter to all members.

It was decided that for the Yamim Noraim, members will receive
reserved named seats and that the cost of "guest seats" will be
increased.

Financial Status

The current account was running low, with no more expected incomes
until membership dues begin to be paid.

Halacha/Minhag committee

The response to questions on increasing women's participation in
tefilla and kriyat Torah, raised through De'ot Yedidya, was poor. The
Committee would therefore be asked to consider sending out a
questionnaire or organizing a Shabbat Iyyun to determine the
membership's position on the subject.

Certain members had enquired into the possibility of holding a
separate mixed reading for the occasion of a bat mitzvah, i.e. a
reading that would take place separately from the regular Shabbat one,
perhaps at a later time.

Calendar Updates

The women's reading on Shabbat Korach (28 June) will be especially
for those who have learned in the new chug run by Yitzchak Avigad, and
could therefore take longer than usual.